Christina Aguilera's 'Voice' Hiatus Surprises Fans
Christina Aguilera has announced Monday that she is taking a break from her position on NBC's "The Voice."
Season four of the reality singing competition kicked off last week with Aguilera among the mentors, but both she and Cee Lo Green are taking leave from the show.
The superstar judges will be replaced by other big names in the music industry- Shakira and Usher will appear on season four, starting now.
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"Being a coach on 'The Voice' is a wonderful experience and the relationship amongst us all is like an extended family," Aguilera explained in an NBC press release Monday. "I am so proud of being a part of the show from the beginning, all the work we've done, and proud of what the show stands for as a whole."
The singer continued to cite her reasons for leaving "The Voice," detailing her desire to get back into music.
"As I have expressed since day one of the show, that I am a singer and a performer first and I am so excited to get back to that," said the 31-year-old. "Since this year NBC and 'The Voice' have decided to tape back-to-back seasons, requiring a full-year commitment, it is important for me to take season 4 off, allowing me to support my music that my fans have been waiting for … by pursuing my first passion of music during the break, I am also able to come back and offer even more to my team on 'The Voice' in the future."
Aguilera's announcement comes as she preparing to release her new album "Lotus." Both she and Green will return to the show for season five next year, according to NBC.
On Twitter, Aguilera's fans posted their reactions to the singer's announcement.
"NO @TheRealXtina and @CeeLoGreen for season 4," asked former MTV host Carson Daly on Twitter. "True fact. Usher and Shakira pinch it. Adam and Blake stay."
Alternately, Green also released a statement explaining his temporary departure from the television series.
"First off, thank you NBC for supporting my decision to take this season 4 hiatus," said the singer, who appreciated that NBC recognizes him as an "artist and not just a cast member."
The rapper noted upcoming projects in his future such as his new solo album and a memoir, and that he looks forward to seeing Shakira and Usher on "The Voice."
"I will return for season 5 and will be watching season 4," said Green. "NBC is home and as far as Usher and Shakira are concerned, 'mis casa su casa.'"
While other famous mentors on "The Voice" Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are not leaving this season, Shelton has expressed his displeasure with the grueling shoot schedule while working on the show.
"I don't know how much longer I'm even going to do it," the country music star told Access Hollywood. "If we want to tour, there's not a chance of that doing back-to-back seasons. That's not acceptable to me."
